INSTITUTIONAL ANIMAL CARE AND USE COMMITTEE (IACUC)
Emergency Preparedness and Contingency Plan
Updated June, 2014
HEALTH SCIENCE CENTER ANIMAL FACILITY
EMERGENCY RESPONSE QUICK GUIDE
INCIDENT
WHO TO CONTACT
INITIAL RESPONSE
Fire & Strange Odors
Dial 911 & 608-790-4157
(Animal Facility Manager)
Chemical Exposure/
Spill
Exposure: Flush exposure with copious amount of water; If face or
eyes are affected, irrigate with eyewash continuously for 5
Dial 911, 608-785-6800
minutes; remove contaminated clothing and flush skin with large
(Environmental Health and Safety amounts of water for 5 minutes.
Officer) & 608-790-4157 (Animal Spill: Notify personnel in room of spill; cover spill with absorbent
towels; do not track the spill through the facility; remove
Facility Manager)
contaminated clothing and wash all parts of body using copious
amounts of water
Radioactive Exposure/
Spill
Biohazard
Exposure/Spill
Dial 911, 608-785-6999 (Radiation
Safety Officer) & 608-790-4157
(Animal Facility Manager)
Notify personnel in area; activate the nearest fire alarm box;
turn off any gas being used, close doors, evacuate the building
Exposure: Wash affected skin with soap and water, remove
contaminated clothing and gloves; put on clean gloves after
contaminated clothing is removed; monitor body with radiation
monitors.
Spill: Notify personnel in room of the spill; do not track spill
through the facility, cover spill with absorbent towels using
gloves; clean spill area with mild soap water solution working from
outside toward the center, monitor contamination area with
survey meter or wipe test
Exposure: Eyes splattered with blood or body fluid, flush with
water using eyewash stations for 5 minutes. Mouth splashed
with blood or body fluid, rinse with water for 5 minutes. Needle
stick, milk wound to induce bleeding, wash with soap & water 5
Dial 911, 608-785-6800
minutes. Remove contaminated clothing, wash skin and replace
(Environmental Health and Safety
with clean clothing.
Officer) & 608-790-4157 (Animal
Spill: Notify personnel in room of the spill; do not track spill
Facility Manager)
through the facility; flush spilled material with a 1:10 dilution of
bleach; wipe all equipment and surfaces potentially
contaminated
Medical Emergency
Dial 911 & 608-790-4157 (Animal
Facility Manager)
Monitor the victim for vital signs, then call for help; wear
protective gloves to avoid contact with blood or body fluids
Water Leak/Flood
Dial 608-785-8585 (Facilities
Planning and Management) &
608-790-4157 (Animal Facility
Manager)
Contain the leak, if possible; evacuate the area via
stairwells; do not use elevators
Power Failure
Dial 608-785-8585 (Facilities
Planning and Management) &
608-790-4157 (Animal Facility
Manager)
Inform Facilities Planning and Management that research animals
lives are at risk; turn off light switches, ventilated racks & other
electrical equipment, close sash on all hoods
INCIDENT
HVAC Failure
(no air, heating, cooling,
steam, hot water,
low/high humidity)
WHO TO CONTACT
Dial 608-785-8585 (Facilities
Planning and Management) &
608-790-4157 (Animal Facility
Manager)
INITIAL RESPONSE
Inform Facilities Planning and Management that research animal
lives are at risk; continually monitor room temperature and
humidity; use fans or space heaters if necessary
Dial 608-785-8585 (Facilities
Planning and Management) &
608-790-4157 (Animal Facility
Manager)
Dial 608-785-8585 (Facilities
Planning and Management) &
608-790-4157 (Animal Facility
Manager)
Dial 911, 608-789-9000 (UW-L
Protective Services) & 608790-4157 (Animal Facility
Manager)
Use of alternate water supply and containers if water
outage exceeds 4 hours
Cardkey system failure
Dial 608-789-9000 (UW-L
Protective Services) & 608-7904157 (Animal Facility Manager)
Call Protective Services for access then post signs on card reader to
alert people of the problem with an emergency animal facility
contact person for entrance
Sprinkle System set off
inadvertently
Dial 911 & 608-790-4157
(Animal Facility Manager)
Notify personnel within the area; assess the welfare of the animals;
close doors and evacuate the area
Sewer Stoppage
(drains, toilets, sinks
inoperative)
Water supply is
rendered Non-Potable
Security Breach
Do not flush toilets; stop use of water
Await further instructions by the police
RIVER STUDIES CENTER EMERGENCY RESPONSE QUICK GUIDE
INCIDENT
INITIAL RESPONSE
WHO TO CONTACT
Fire & Strange Odors
Dial 911 & 414-305-3386
Notify personnel in area; activate the nearest fire alarm box;
(Aquatic Animal Facility Manager) turn off any gas being used, close doors, evacuate the building
Chemical Exposure/
Spill
Exposure: Flush exposure with copious amount of water; If face or
eyes are affected, irrigate with eyewash continuously for 5
Dial 911, 608-785-6800
minutes; remove contaminated clothing and flush skin with large
(Environmental Health and Safety amounts of water for 5 minutes
Officer) & 414-305-3386 (Aquatic Spill: Notify personnel in room of spill; cover spill with absorbent
towels; do not track the spill through the facility; remove
Animal Facility Manager)
contaminated clothing and wash all parts of body using copious
amounts of water.
Biohazard
Exposure/Spill
Exposure: Eyes splattered with blood or body fluid, flush with
water using eyewash stations for 5 minutes. Mouth splashed
with blood or body fluid, rinse with water for 5 minutes. Needle
Dial 911, 608-785-6800
stick milk wound to induce bleeding, wash with soap & water 5
(Environmental Health and Safety minutes. Remove contaminated clothing, wash skin and replace
Officer) & 414-305-3386 (Aquatic with clean clothing.
Spill: Notify personnel in room of the spill; do not track spill
Animal Facility Manager)
through the facility; flush spilled material with a 1:10 dilution of
bleach; wipe all equipment and surfaces potentially
contaminated
Medical Emergency
Dial 911 & 414-305-3386 (Aquatic Monitor the victim for vital signs, then call for help; wear
Animal Facility Manager)
protective gloves to avoid contact with blood or body fluids
Water Leak/Flood
Dial 608-785-8585 (Facilities
Planning and Management) &
414-305-3386 (Aquatic Animal
Facility Manager)
Contain the leak, if possible; evacuate the area via
stairwells; do not use elevators
Power Failure
Dial 608-785-8585 (Facilities
Planning and Management) &
414-305-3386 (Aquatic Animal
Facility Manager)
Inform Facilities Planning and Management that research animals
lives are at risk; turn off light switches, use alternate source of
power if available (generator)
HVAC Failure
(no air, heating, cooling,
steam, hot water,
low/high humidity)
Dial 608-785-8585 (Facilities
Planning and Management) &
414-305-3386 (Aquatic Animal
Facility Manager)
Sewer Stoppage
(drains, toilets, sinks
inoperative)
Water supply is
rendered Non-Potable
Dial 608-785-8585 (Facilities
Planning and Management) &
414-305-3386 (Aquatic Animal
Facility Manager)
Dial 608-785-8585 (Facilities
Planning and Management) &
414-305-3386 (Aquatic Animal
Facility Manager)
Inform Facilities Planning and Management that research animal
lives are at risk; continually monitor room temperature; use fans
or space heaters if necessary
Stop use of water
Use of alternate water supply for once weekly 10% water
changes
INCIDENT
Security Breach
Cardkey system failure
WHO TO CONTACT
Dial 911, 608-789-9000 (UW-L
Protective Services) & 414305-3386 (Aquatic Animal
Facility Manager)
Dial 608-789-9000 (UW-L
Protective Services) & 414-3053386 (Aquatic Animal Facility
Manager)
INITIAL RESPONSE
Await further instructions by the police
Call Protective Services for access then post signs on cardkeys to
alert people of the problem with an emergency Aquatic Animal
Facility contact for entrance
TABLE OF CONTENTS
I.
PURPOSE, SCOPE, GOALS
II.
BACKGROUND
III.
POTENTIAL EMERGENCY SITUATIONS
IV.
ACTION PLANS
V.
MATERIALS and RESOURCES
VI.
TRAINING
VII.
RESPONSE and RECOVERY
ANIMAL PROGRAM EMERGENCY TRIAGE PLAN
EMERGENCY CALLING TREE
I.
PURPOSE, GOALS, SCOPE
PURPOSE: The purpose of this document is to provide an overall plan of action for responding
to emergencies that may impact the research and teaching animals housed at the University of
Wisconsin – La Crosse.
GOAL: Provide a plan for humane handling, treatment, transportation, housing and care of the
animals during a disaster which ensures:
–
–
–
employee safety, health and welfare
animal safety, health and welfare
continuity of care
SCOPE: This plan covers all animals housed under the auspices of the University of Wisconsin –
La Crosse with oversight from the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee.
II.
BACKGROUND
Emergency response and recovery plans are required by the PHS Policy on Humane Care and
Use of Laboratory Animals, the Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals (Guide), and
the USDA Animal Welfare Act Regulations.
III.
POTENTIAL EMERGENCY SITUATIONS
The most likely emergencies include: sustained power outage, loss of water supply, sustained
HVAC failure, fires, flooding, blizzards, tornados, situations preventing staff from reporting to
work, animal rights incursion/civil disturbance.
IV.
ACTION PLANS
This plan has been approved by the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee. Law
enforcement, security and emergency personnel have access to this plan.
1. Communication/contact methods and plans to activate
a. The Emergency Calling Tree is posted by the main phone in each facility with
appropriate contact personnel (Facility Managers, Principal Investigators; Consulting
Veterinarian, etc.) and associated emergency phone numbers. Below is a table with
phone numbers and e-mails for essential personnel.
Essential Personnel
Amy Cooper, HSC Animal Facility Manager
Tisha King-Heiden, RSC Manager
Mark Mattison, consulting veterinarian
Greg Sandland, IACUC Chair
Scott Cooper, PI at HSC
Mark Sandheinrich, PI at RSC
Bill Schwan, PI at HSC
Steve Cash, HSC Barrier Room Manager
Qiangwie Fu, HSC Barrier Room PI
Catherine Krus, HSC Student Employee
Marlaine Moede, HSC Student Employee
Work/day phone
608-785-5195, 608-790-4157
608-785-6463
608-781-3466
608-6982
608-785-6983
608-785-8261
608-785-6980
608-775-3548
608-775-3548
Evening, weekend
and holiday phone
608-790-4157, 608-780-3156
414-305-3386
608-844-4774
608-797-0193
608-857-3615
608-788-5825
608-797-6043
608-797-6957
603-667-3483
708-807-1372
715-581-4519
e-mail address
acooper@uwlax.edu
tking-heiden@uwlax.edu
marknmatt@charter.net
gsandland@uwlax.edu
scooper@uwlax.edu
msandheinrich@uwlax.edu
wschwan@uwlax.edu
secash@gundluch.org
qfu@gundluth.org
Catherine.krus@gmail.com
moede.marl@uwlax.edu
There is no contingency plan if cell phones and land lines fail. We would most likely rely on
public communication (like radio) for instructions.
2. Triage
a. NEVER ENDANGER YOUR PERSONAL SAFETY
b. Evaluate overall situation
c. If advance notice of impending emergency (e.g.. weather) has been given, assess supply
needs
d. If the disaster results in down-time that is less than 24 hours, on-site housing of the
animals will be the standard approach.
e. If the disaster, and/or resulting down-time, is such that the ability to provide on-site
care is significantly impaired, animals should be evacuated and/or euthanized
depending on assessment of the situation and the probable timing of return to normal.
f. Check animals as soon as safely possible. Dead animals are collected and disposed of.
Surviving animals are examined and treated if necessary and are given clean food, water
and housing as soon as possible.
3. General provisions for care and maintenance of the animals - either prior to personnel
evacuation, if advance notice of emergency is given (e.g. blizzard, pandemic flu), or after
Incident Commander allows building entry.
a. If food is uncontaminated, fill all food containers in animal rooms with food. If food is
contaminated, more can be delivered/picked up from Harlan Telklad Products in
Madison, WI. 800-483-5523.
b. If water is uncontaminated, fill all water bottles. If water is contaminated, it can be
autoclaved (if there is power), or bottled water can be purchased from the local grocery
store. Solid-water gel packs are also available from Harlan Products in Madison, WI at
800-483-5523.
c. In the event of power failure, the stand-by generator will supply electricity to the
Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) system, lighting, alarms and red
convenience outlets.
i. If applicable, verify that the ventilated cage rack in room 0121 is plugged into the
emergency power outlet and is operational. If units are not operational, open
doors to animal rooms to aid in ventilation.
4. HSC Animal Evacuation Plans:
a. Animals should be relocated to nearby rooms or buildings with the goal of continuing
routine animal care procedures. Available space should be evaluated in terms of
strengths and weaknesses in accommodating the species to be moved, equipment
needed, and staff to reassign as needed. If animals must be evacuated off-site and it is
safe to do so, the following facilities may be available (if unaffected by the
disaster/emergency situation) for short-term rodent housing:
i. Globe University Veterinary Technology Program – Contact Dr. Elayne Hass 608779-2621
ii. La Crosse Veterinary Clinic – Contact Dr. Mark Mattison 608-781-3466
iii. University of Wisconsin – Oshkosh – Contact Dr. Dana Merriman 920-424-3076
b. Transportation of animals will have to be done in either personal vehicles or rented
cargo vans. All vehicles must be temperature controlled, clean and safe for the animals.
Filtered cages should be used if available and all caging must be secured to prevent
them from tipping over.
5. Animal Euthanasia: In the event that all other options have been exhausted, the Facility
Manager or the Consulting Veterinarian can give the order that animals should be
humanely euthanized by a trained individual. Euthanasia determining factors:
a.
b.
c.
d.
Pain/distress, beyond rescue
Availability of feed, caging, rooms, environment, species requirements
Investigator input, unless suffering as determined by veterinarian or Facility Manager
Loose, unidentified animals
If euthanasia is necessary, one of the following methods should be used:
a. CO2 Inhalation (rodents only)
b. Overdose of Isoflurane anesthesia
c. MS222 (fish only)
See the Euthanasia Procedures During a Disaster Policy
6. Aquatics (42D Cowley Hall)
a. Aquarium system failures: All zebrafish are maintained either within incubator (eggsfry), Aquaneering benchtop system (adults), or for short term within individual aquaria
with filters (quarantined animals). In case of aquarium system failures, please refer to
the Aquaneering System manual, or contact Tisha King-Heiden (office: 608-785-6463;
cell: 414-305-3386) or you may call the Aquaneering help line at: 858-578-2028.
b. Loss of Power: For short-term loss of power, ensure that all systems have reset
accordingly. Light timer may need to be adjusted.
If power shall be out for more than 4 hrs, emergency power will need to be run
to room 42D to run the Aquaneering benchtop system and incubator if fish are
present. If lights are also out, see below.
c. Lights: Fish should be maintained on a 14D:10N light schedule. Lights are maintained
by room timer. Temporary aquarium lights can be hung on the system and put on
timers until room lighting is fixed.
d. Temperature: Zebrafish need to be maintained at 26-28˚C (78-82 ˚F). Room 42D should
be maintained at no cooler than 26 ˚C (78˚F) for fish that are within quarantine tanks
and set up for spawning outside the system. Room 42C should be maintained at a
minimum of 22 ˚C (72˚F) to allow for examination of embryos without significantly
altering their development. Fish housed within the incubator are held at a constant
temperature as long as power is available. If power is not available, see above. The
Aquaneering system has internal heat control that should be able to be maintained as
long as the room temperature does not go below 18 ˚C (65˚F). If temperature falls
below 24 ˚C (75˚F) within room 42D, individual aquarium heaters should be placed in
any quarantine tanks, and a temporary space heater could be used to help maintain
room temperature.
V.
MATERIALS and RESOURCES
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.
VI.
Store a supply of food, bedding and PPE (personal protective equipment) at all times.
Ensure adequate euthanasia and basic medical supplies for all animals on census
Obtain and store the following supplies: flashlights/head lamps, batteries, first-aid kit
Ensure essential personnel have necessary access, keys to supply storage, etc.
Create/maintain census information of animals, rooms, investigator contacts, and
protocol numbers.
TRAINING
a. Essential personnel must participate in training regarding their roles and responsibilities
as outlined in this plan. New staff must be trained within 30 days of hire, all staff on
changes within 30 days of revision.
b. Animal care staff must be instructed that responding to emergencies is a condition of
employment and that they will be held accountable should they fail to care properly for
the animals.
c. The plan must be updated at least annually and changes must be communicated to
employees within 30 days of making the changes.
VII.
RESPONSE and RECOVERY
a. Once access is granted back in to the facility, the environmental conditions must be
assessed and recommendations communicated if conditions need to be improved.
b. Locate areas of known hazards (or animals injected with hazards); stabilize these
animals and environments first.
c. Animal health assessments should be completed in order to provide critical care and
maintain biosecurity. Triage all animal survivors and classify them into categories of
health and exposure to environmental conditions outside of the cage. Remove animal
carcasses and store for disposal.
d. Conduct brief animal inventory to assess potential for escapes or animals unaccounted
for.
e. Provide animal enclosure cleaning as necessary to minimize animals being in wet or
dirty cages. If equipment or power failure still exists, hand sanitization of caging or other
equipment with a diluted bleach solution and rinse may be necessary
f. Euthanasia determining factors:
– Pain/distress, beyond rescue
– Availability of feed, caging, rooms, environment, species requirements
– Investigator input, unless suffering as determined by veterinarian
– Loose, unidentified animals
– Euthanasia should only be completed by a trained individual
References
USDA Animal Welfare Act disaster contingency planning
- http://www.nal.usda.gov/awic/pubs/IACUC/dis.htm
- http://awic.nal.usda.gov/research-animals/disaster-planning
NIH Office of Laboratory Animal Welfare disaster planning
- http://grants.nih.gov/grants/olaw/disaster_planning.htm
Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals
- http://grants.nih.gov/grants/olaw/Guide-for-the-Care-and-Use-of-LaboratoryAnimals.pdf - pg 35
Institute for Laboratory Animal Resources
- http://dels-old.nas.edu/ilar_n/ilarjournal/51_2/html/pdfs/v5102Wingfield.pdf
ANIMAL PROGRAM EMERGENCY TRIAGE PLAN
EMERGENCY
NOTIFICATION
RECEIVED
CAN YOU CONDUCT OPERATIONS
FROM CURRENT LOCATION?
YES
NO
ENSURE PERSONNEL SAFETY
MOVE ANIMALS TO
ALTERNATE LOCATION
EVALUATE SITUATION
YES
DURATION LIKELY TO BE
GREATER THAN 72 HOURS?
NO
ADDITIONAL
RESOURCES / HELP
NEEDED?
INITIATE CALLING TREE
CALL 911 as needed for
new issues
NOTIFY RESPONSIBLE
PERSONNEL
AND INVESTIGATORS
CONTINUOUSLY RE-EVALUATE
SITUATION UNTIL RESOLVED